Paul Schoenmakers Email and Phone Number

The world of food is transitioning towards less meat and more plant-based alternatives. Jackfruit is a hero in this transition. PRIMEJACK is a new, clean, allergen-free ingredient for the alternative and hybrid meat industry with an extremely high fiber content (57%). As interim COO, I help build a scalable and sustainable supply from small holder farmers in East Africa to innovative food companies and large retailers in Europe.

I enjoy bringing purpose into practice with hands-on expertise in (interim) management and leadership roles. Also available to help companies with practical advice on their sustainability journey. Keynote speaker and trainer on sustainable supply chains and Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence. Expertise in sustainable supply chains, CSRD and CSDDD, social impact and climate footprint.

As a key member of the leadership team, I've played a pivotal role in driving the company's purpose, impact and sustainability goals during a rapid international expansion phase. During this transformative period, I've successfully established the impact team and formulated a comprehensive sustainability strategy and developed industry-leading sustainability programs. My primary objective has been to cultivate a highly proficient team and implement effective programs to bring the purpose of Tony's Chocolonely to life.Key achievements:💥5x winner of the Sustainable Brand Award. Achieved B-corp top-score of 125.💥Closing living income gaps for 20,000 cocoa farmers & reducing child labor from 45% to less than 5%.💥Implemented measures to achieve full farm-level traceable cocoa sourcing, zero deforestation, complete carbon footprint disclosure, and innovative offsetting and reduction programs.💥Spearheaded the establishment and growth of an international team, expanding from 2 to 15 members across Amsterdam, Ghana, and Côte d'Ivoire. Demonstrated strong adaptability and cultural sensitivity while working collaboratively in remote and diverse environments.💥Pioneered the creation of Tony's Open Chain, a collaborative platform that has garnered participation from over 15 other chocolate companies, including Albert Heijn and Ben&Jerry's. This initiative seeks to amplify our collective impact.💥Inspired and coached the entire Tony's team to align their work with the company's purpose, fostering a strong sense of connection in a rapidly expanding organization (from 45 to 280 employees).💥Established and oversaw a comprehensive reporting framework for non-financial KPIs & climate footprint. Initiated and facilitated the development of an independent third-party assurance for our renowned sustainability report.Through my leadership abilities and strategic vision, I have championed positive impact across the cocoa industry and demonstrated supply chain due diligence.

Within the department for Sustainable Economic Development, I spearheaded the development of programs and policies to stimulate sustainability in international value chains in collaboration with companies, NGOs, and governments. During a time when this subject was relatively new within the ministry, I capitalized on the shifting political landscape and growing momentum to cultivate expertise, secure funding, and expand the team from 1 to 6 members.Key Achievements:▶️Pioneered efforts to advance sustainable commodity value chains in partnership with companies and NGOs. Identified strategic opportunities and implemented initiatives to support companies to take responsibility for Human Rights Violations and Environmental risks in their supply chains.▶️Successfully advocated for increased funding and resources to support sustainable trade initiatives, enabling the scaling up of programs and amplifying their impact.▶️Build a team of 6 professionals to forge sustainable value chain partnerships, with a specific focus on international value chains such as palm oil, soy, coffee, tea, cocoa, cotton and textiles.▶️Developed and implemented policies that fostered greater transparency and accountability in supply chains, driving companies to adopt more sustainable practices.▶️Through a secondment at the Social and Economic Council, I established corporate social responsibility (CSR) agreements with businesses, NGOs, and the government across multiple sectors.▶️Served as a key liaison between various stakeholders, facilitating dialogue, building consensus, dissemination of best practices and promoting collaboration to achieve sustainability objectives.▶️Elevated the Ministry's reputation as a thought leader in sustainable trade through active participation in conferences, seminars, and international forums.During my tenure, I leveraged my expertise and collaborative approach to drive transformative change in the pursuit of sustainable value chains.

Through the Private Sector Investment Fund, I supported entrepreneurs and SME’s in building their international business, creating economic development (>200 decent jobs) and delivering on sustainability goals. Managed 24 investment projects in Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Yemen in various sectors.

✅Advisory and sales of interest and foreign exchange products (€1M sales margin).✅Cooperated with traders to build customised products, matching clients’ specific needs.

✅Liaised with traders, suppliers and operators to advance the uptake of biofuels in power plants.✅Identified new bio fuels, negotiated procurement contracts with Dutch and international suppliers and developed the value chains.✅Bridged between holding and business units in developing a risk monitor for the executive board.